Warfare Operation Raviv

[morris]

One of Israel's most unusual special operations was conducted on September 8-9, 1969 in the Gulf of Suez during the War of Attrition, codenamed Raviv also known as ten-hour war. The main participants were tankers, supported by special forces, artillery, navy and aviation.
The operation saw Israeli forces masquerading as Egyptian troops and using captured Arab armor.

 

[morris]

IDF BTR50 embarking on an Israeli Navy landing craft during Operation Raviv.

Disembarking on Egyptian side.

 

[morris]

captured T54- "Tiran" 4 in the use of the IDF in the operation.

Captured PT 76 used by the IDF in the operation

Captured BTR 50 APC on a test

 

[morris]

 

[morris]

Israel Navy Maiale ("Pig") manned torpedo

On September 7, 1969, Shayetet 13 commandos carried out Operation Escort, raiding the Egyptian Navy anchorage at Ras Sadat. Arriving on a pair of Maiale (Pig) human torpedoes, the eight operators attached limpet mines to two P-183 torpedo boats before withdrawing and detonating their charges from a distance. The sinking of the two boats served a dual purpose, preventing the interception of the Israeli landing craft and their cargo, while drawing Egyptian attention north from the planned point of disembarkation. Despite the operation's successful execution, Shayetet 13 suffered three fatalities when the self-destruct mechanism of one of the Maiales accidentally went off as the commandos were making their way back across the Gulf of Suez.

 

[guest0001]

Great thread! Thanks for sharing the story with us Morris!

 

[morris]

Daylight advance along the Egyptian coast.

 

[dan_inbox]

captured T54- "Tiran" 4 in the use of the IDF in the operation.
View attachment 334294

Captured PT 76 used by the IDF in the operation
View attachment 334293

Note that the tanks used during op Raviv were T-55, not T-54. (The photo posted is actually a T-55, BTW)
Also, PT-76 amphib tanks were not used. BTR-50 APCs were.